Powering system for pedals (à la DC brick) that works for different type of pedals

[Inconnu]

I'm using a mix of old style Electro-Harmonix pedals and pedals using typical boss style adaptors. I wish to replace my adaptors by some sort of powering system that would take less space on my pedal board. I there any device, similar to those DC bricks, that can acommodate different style of pedals ?

[Mark Latimour]

T-Rex Chamelon is probably the best bet.

[bongomania]

There are several different ones on the market. You have to specify exactly what you need to power, in order for us to tell you which product will work. Please specify, for each pedal:
--voltage
--AC or DC
--current draw ("mA", usually shown on manufacturer website, or found via Google)
--polarity (center-negative or center-positive)

Without these data, all answers are useless.

[JanusZarate]

+1 to Bongo's post. "Old-style EHX pedals" could just as easily refer to the old 24VDC hulks as it could to the 9VDC pedals with those headphone-jack-style plugs.

On a side note, finding current draw info might be a pain for EHX pedals, so don't stress it. But if you tell us specifically what you're using, it shouldn't be difficult to point you in the right direction.

[Inconnu]

Originally Posted by JanusZarate

+1 to Bongo's post. "Old-style EHX pedals" could just as easily refer to the old 24VDC hulks as it could to the 9VDC pedals with those headphone-jack-style plugs.

On a side note, finding current draw info might be a pain for EHX pedals, so don't stress it. But if you tell us specifically what you're using, it shouldn't be difficult to point you in the right direction.

Sorry, everything is 9 volts DC, headphone style and standard boss-style.

[Sabu]

I've been using the BBE Supacharger for about a year now. It does 6 pedals 9V at 100mA and 2 more 9V at 200mA. I can only fit 6 pedals on my Gator board so it works out. The only thing I was concerned about were my Digitech pedals but the 200mA plugs seem to support them OK.

[cheapbasslovin]

Sounds like what you need are cable adapters.

This for extending existing plugs or this for running out of a power supply.

EDIT: Nevermind. (10 days later he realizes that he doesn't own a DCBrick yet. )

[JanusZarate]

If those are the plugs, the DC Brick actually works fine - it comes with some cables with headphone-jack-style ends, so you don't need any extra adapter plugs.

But there's a reason why we asked about the exact pedals you were using... the DC Brick has some current limits you must be mindful of on its 9V outputs. If you're running a lot of pedals (i.e., more than 5 or 6), there might be a more ideal supply for your situation. Most people don't push the limits without having some digital pedals in their lineup, though.

[newbold]

If you're thinking DC Brick you might as well get a Godlyke Powerall.

If you want isolated outs, how much do you want to spend?

[Inconnu]

Originally Posted by newbold

If you're thinking DC Brick you might as well get a Godlyke Powerall.

If you want isolated outs, how much do you want to spend?

I want to spend as little as possible. It is a powering device, nothing I'll actually have fun with... but it would make room for one more pedal... and more fun.

[Inconnu]

Originally Posted by JanusZarate

If those are the plugs, the DC Brick actually works fine - it comes with some cables with headphone-jack-style ends, so you don't need any extra adapter plugs.

But there's a reason why we asked about the exact pedals you were using... the DC Brick has some current limits you must be mindful of on its 9V outputs. If you're running a lot of pedals (i.e., more than 5 or 6), there might be a more ideal supply for your situation. Most people don't push the limits without having some digital pedals in their lineup, though.

I have 7 pedals right now, which justifies the idea of getting a single power supply for all instead of having 7 individual power supplies and a huge powerbar eating off alot of room on my pedal board... Removing the power bar would make room for one last pedal, which could end up being a 24 volt... or a 9... haven't figured which compressor I'll get... As for digital, I assume you mean multieffects ? 'Cause I do have one digital pedal (Stereo Electric Mistress, your review convinced me)... what difference does it make ?

[kenstee]

Originally Posted by Inconnu

I want to spend as little as possible. It is a powering device, nothing I'll actually have fun with... but it would make room for one more pedal... and more fun.

If you just have 9v pedals and one 18v could also consider TRex Fuel Tank JR. Can also daisy chain some pedals together (cable included) on one single output as long as all of them combined on the single chain does not exceed 120mA. But, you could throw 3,4 or even 5 on one chain this way and it would only occupy one of the 5 outputs.

[Inconnu]

Originally Posted by kenstee

If you just have 9v pedals and one 18v could also consider TRex Fuel Tank JR. Can also daisy chain some pedals together (cable included) on one single output as long as all of them combined on the single chain does not exceed 120mA. But, you could throw 3,4 or even 5 on one chain this way and it would only occupy one of the 5 outputs.

so I have to check the mA ratings on my pedals then...

[JanusZarate]

Originally Posted by Inconnu

I have 7 pedals right now, which justifies the idea of getting a single power supply for all instead of having 7 individual power supplies and a huge powerbar eating off alot of room on my pedal board... Removing the power bar would make room for one last pedal, which could end up being a 24 volt... or a 9... haven't figured which compressor I'll get... As for digital, I assume you mean multieffects ? 'Cause I do have one digital pedal (Stereo Electric Mistress, your review convinced me)... what difference does it make ?

Many multi-effects pedals run on their own supplies, but I was talking about digital pedals in general.

The Stereo Electric Mistress uses significantly more current than similar analog flangers (which is partly why EHX decided to not provide a battery power option on it, I'm sure). This is typically true of other digital pedals, too. It's just something you need to keep in mind, as you're going to have a lot less current to spare if you are running digital pedals.

I run two digital pedals on my board (Stereo Electric Mistress, POG 2), and the POG 2 needs a whopping 180mA to operate, so I know I'm not exactly rolling around in spare power with my DC Brick.

As for analog: distortion pedals usually use very little current (often under 10mA), but more complex effects such as modulation pedals often use more current than that. It's important to look up current usage information and add the numbers up to ensure you aren't going to exceed what a particular supply can offer.

Assuming you don't get that 24VDC pedal you're talking about, you could probably use a Visual Sound One Spot adapter, add a few adapter plugs to accommodate your older EHX pedals, and you'd have your power needs well covered. It's your cheapest and most effective option on a budget ($24 - $30, depending on how many special plugs you need).

Of course, that assumes you don't have pedals with positive ground designs, and that all of your pedals are 9VDC... because if that's the case, you'll need a power supply with isolated outputs, and those aren't cheap.

[jmorbita]

Would the onespot cover these needs?

[kenstee]

Originally Posted by Inconnu

so I have to check the mA ratings on my pedals then...

Yep. Easy to do. Also, you can run older Boss ASA Pedals in a daisy chain as long as it also contains newer Boss-type pedals a as well.

[Chronicle]

A power supply isn't meant for fun but to keep your pedals powered efficiently, safely, and keep the right sound out of the pedal.

I'd suggest the Voodoo Lab Power pad 2 or the ISO5 depending on how many pedals you have. They come with all the cables you need and are the best power solutions on the market.